Bullying is a serious problem for shool kids. KidsHealth writes that every day thousands of teens wake up afraid to go to school. Bullying has become a problem that affects millions of students, and it has everyone worried. One of the most disturbing aspects of bullying is that it is relentless. Kids who are bullied may find their schoolwork and health suffering. And studies have shown that people who are abused by their peers are at greater risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, and anxiety. Kids who are bullied may also think about suicide more. A new integrated program to deal with bullying has been greatly needed.
John Gever has reported for MedPage Today "Program Puts Smackdown on Bullying." Researchers have said an integrated program to encourage respectful student behavior in schools reduced the number of teacher-reported bullying incidents and the prevalence of peer rejection. The multifaceted School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) program was found to be associated with less verbal teasing and threats, as well as physical violence, and less peer rejection. This study has been published in the February issue of Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.
Catherine P. Bradshaw, PhD, of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, and colleagues have written "The effects of SWPBIS on bullying are encouraging and consistent with policymakers' and researchers' emphasis on school climate and culture as potential targets for bullying prevention efforts as an alternative to zero-tolerance policies." The SWPBIS is intended to create an overall school environment which discourages aggressive behaviors. Positive behavioral expectations are stressed to students, such as "be respectful, responsible, and ready to learn," in all school-related activities, and with discipline invoked for violations. Positive reinforcement is also used. And so it appears SWPBIS may help address the increasing national concerns related to school bullying by improving school climate.
Photographer: Grant Cochrane
